March 2015 (30 articles)

Categories: News

Positive impact on earnings, and a small positive impact on dividends

Despite the so far rather negative response of equity markets, the oil price falls could be seen as a ‘shot in the arm’ for oil consuming economies, with many viewing the oil price decline as being deeply beneficial because it amounts to a reduction in input costs and a dividend to consumers.

Categories: News, Retirement

Spotlight firmly on people rolling over into the holding provider’s own annuity

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) thematic review into annuity purchases has shone the spotlight firmly on people rolling over into the holding provider’s own annuity.

Categories: News

Almost 1 in 5 women are now the main household breadwinner

Nearly one in five (17%) of women claim to be the main breadwinner in their relationship, according to new research commissioned by Scottish Widows to mark its 200th anniversary.

Categories: investment, News

Sorting out our finances is high on our list of priorities in 2015

The British population is determined to get more savvy about their saving and spending habits in 2015, with three quarters (76%) of adults admitting they are prepared to moderate their lifestyle, according to a new survey by Standard Life.

Categories: News, Retirement

Discussing life expectancy as part of your retirement planning is key

Pension Wise, the government’s guidance guarantee service, must discuss life expectancy as part of people’s retirement planning, according to a recent Aviva report.

Categories: News, Retirement

Tax rules amended to allow greater innovation

The tax rules will also be amended to allow innovation in retirement products. This is happening in a number of ways:

Categories: News, Retirement

New system to encourage further pension saving

Currently someone in income drawdown cannot receive tax relief on future contributions. To encourage further pension saving under the new system:

Categories: News, Retirement

Freedom to pass on an unused defined contribution pension

People with defined contribution pension savings will no longer have to worry about their pension savings being taxed at 55% on death. Commencing from 6 April 2015, individuals will have the freedom to pass on their unused defined contribution pension to any nominated beneficiary when they die, rather than paying the 55% tax charge which currently applies to pensions passed on at death.

Categories: News, Retirement

Interim rules from 27 March 2014

Unlike a conventional personal pension, which is used to build up a pension fund until a chosen retirement age is reached, income drawdown is used to pay an income once someone decides to retire or semi-retire. The remainder of their fund remains invested, rather than using it to buy an annuity.

Categories: News, Retirement

Baby boomers are some of the least prepared for retirement

A recent survey has revealed the concerning fact that 40% of baby boomers, those aged 55 to 74, have not started to save specifically for retirement yet, despite two-thirds of respondents understanding the State Pension will not be sufficient.